Surgery is a cornerstone of cancer treatment. It involves physically removing cancerous tissue from the body. This might mean excising a tumor, removing a lymph node, or even resecting a part of an organ. While surgery is often curative, it can also be used to alleviate symptoms, such as removing a tumor causing pain or obstruction. The decision to operate is based on various factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the potential benefits and risks of the procedure.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs travel through the bloodstream, reaching cancer cells throughout the body. While it can be effective, chemotherapy also affects healthy cells, leading to side effects like hair loss, nausea, and fatigue. Various chemotherapy regimens exist, each with its own set of drugs and administration methods. Some treatments involve intravenous infusions, while others use pills.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy employs high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It can be used to treat both early and advanced cancers. Like surgery, radiation is a local treatment, targeting specific areas of the body. There are several types of radiation therapy, including external beam radiation and brachytherapy (where radioactive material is placed inside the body). Side effects vary depending on the treated area but can include skin irritation, fatigue, and digestive issues.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a more recent advancement in cancer treatment. Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth and survival. This precision approach can be more effective with fewer side effects. However, it is primarily used for certain types of cancer with identifiable molecular targets.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. It involves stimulating or restoring the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. This approach has shown remarkable success in treating some previously difficult-to-treat cancers. Different types of immunotherapy exist, including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines. While immunotherapy can produce significant benefits, it can also lead to immune-related side effects.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is primarily used for cancers influenced by hormones, such as breast and prostate cancer. It involves blocking or reducing the production of hormones or preventing their action in the body. This can slow or stop cancer growth. Common side effects include hot flashes, mood swings, and changes in sexual function.
Stem Cell Transplant
A stem cell transplant, also known as bone marrow transplant, is a complex procedure used to replace damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells. This treatment is often used for blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. Stem cells can come from the patient themselves (autologous transplant) or a donor (allogeneic transplant). The process involves high-dose chemotherapy or radiation to destroy the diseased bone marrow, followed by the infusion of healthy stem cells.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies involving people. They evaluate new treatments, drugs, or treatment combinations. Participating in a clinical trial can offer access to cutting-edge therapies and contribute to advancing cancer research. However, it’s essential to weigh the potential benefits and risks before enrolling.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
CAM therapies are practices used alongside or instead of conventional medicine. While some CAM therapies may help manage treatment side effects or improve quality of life, their effectiveness in treating cancer is often unproven. It’s crucial to discuss any CAM therapies with your doctor to ensure they don’t interfere with your cancer treatment.